A motorhome awning functions as a versatile extension of your living space, providing shelter, shade, and an additional area for relaxation. While various types exist, a common and highly functional design, especially popular for its flexibility, is the drive-away awning. This type of awning is designed to be both connected to your motorhome and free-standing, allowing you to drive your vehicle away while leaving your awning set up.
Understanding Drive-Away Awnings
A drive-away awning operates as a self-supporting structure that can be easily attached to and detached from your motorhome or camper van. As described in the reference, a key component is its connecting panel, also known as a cowl, which forms the bridge between the awning and the vehicle.
- Free-Standing Capability: The core principle is its ability to stand independently once detached. This is crucial for motorhome owners who wish to use their vehicle for day trips or errands without having to pack up their entire campsite.
- Connecting Panel (Cowl): This flexible fabric tunnel or panel is specifically designed to bridge the gap between the awning's main structure and the side of your motorhome. It allows for a snug, weather-resistant connection while offering the flexibility to be easily disconnected.
The Mechanics of Connection and Detachment
The ingenious design of a drive-away awning allows for seamless integration and separation from your motorhome.
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Connection:
- Typically, the cowl of the awning is connected to the motorhome using various methods. The most common involves a Kador strip (a cord-like bead sewn into the fabric edge) which slides into an awning rail on the side of the motorhome.
- Alternatively, the cowl might be secured with strong straps that go over the top of the vehicle, or via magnetic strips/suction cups for vehicles without an awning rail.
- Once connected, the cowl is then tightened and secured to ensure a weather-tight seal.
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Detachment:
- When you wish to drive your motorhome away, the connection method (e.g., Kador strip, straps) is disengaged from the vehicle.
- Crucially, "when the awning is detached from the vehicle, the connecting panel otherwise known as a cowl rolls away neatly to the side of the awning." This neat stowage prevents the cowl from flapping in the wind or getting damaged while the vehicle is away, and it maintains the awning's structural integrity as a free-standing unit.
- The awning remains standing as a separate, fully functional structure, ready for your return.
Why Choose a Drive-Away Awning?
Drive-away awnings offer significant advantages for motorhome enthusiasts:
- Flexibility: You can leave your campsite set up while exploring the local area in your motorhome.
- Extended Space: Provides additional living, storage, or sleeping space, expanding your motorhome's footprint.
- Shelter: Offers protection from sun, rain, and wind, enhancing your outdoor experience.
- Convenience: Relatively easy to set up and take down compared to larger, more complex structures.
Other Types of Motorhome Awnings
While the drive-away awning provides unique flexibility, motorhomes can also be fitted with other types of awnings, which typically remain attached to the vehicle:
- Cassette (Fixed) Awnings: These are permanently mounted to the side or roof of the motorhome in a compact casing. They are usually deployed by winding them out manually or with an electric motor. They offer quick setup but cannot be left behind when the vehicle drives away.
| Feature | Drive-Away Awning | Cassette (Fixed) Awning |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | Detachable via cowl/connecting panel | Permanently mounted to vehicle |
| Mobility | Awning remains standing when vehicle drives away | Vehicle must be present for awning use |
| Setup Speed | Moderately quick, but involves connection/disconnection | Very quick (wind out/in) |
| Space | Adds enclosed, adaptable external room | Primarily offers shaded canopy beside vehicle |
Setting Up Your Drive-Away Awning
Setting up a drive-away awning involves a few straightforward steps:
- Lay Out: Unpack and lay the awning flat on the ground where you intend to set it up, typically beside your motorhome.
- Assemble Poles: Insert and connect the poles according to the awning's design (e.g., inflatable air beams, traditional fibreglass, or steel poles).
- Erect Structure: Raise the awning into its standing position, securing guide ropes (guy lines) and pegging down the base.
- Connect to Motorhome: Attach the cowl or connecting panel to your motorhome using your preferred method (Kador strip, straps, magnets). Ensure it's taut to prevent drafts and water ingress.
- Inflate/Tension: If it's an air awning, inflate the beams. If it's a pole awning, ensure all poles are correctly tensioned.
- Secure: Fully peg down all guy lines and the base of the awning to provide stability against wind.
Maintaining Your Motorhome Awning
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity of your motorhome awning:
- Clean Regularly: Remove dirt, leaves, and bird droppings with mild soap and water.
- Dry Before Storage: Always ensure the awning is completely dry before packing it away to prevent mildew and damage.
- Check for Damage: Periodically inspect for tears, worn seams, or bent poles and repair as needed.
- Store Properly: Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and pests.
Understanding how a drive-away motorhome awning works empowers you to maximize your outdoor adventures, offering unparalleled flexibility and comfort.
